Bridge Builder Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Katy Faust, Founder and Director of Them Before Us. The organization was created to advance social policies that encourage adults to actively respect the rights of children rather than expecting children to sacrifice their needs to the desires of adults. Katy testified in March of 2019 in opposition to the creation of a commercial surrogacy market here in Minnesota....

We start off this episode speaking with Dr. Andrew Bacevich, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at Boston University, about the United States conflict with Iran and other Middle Eastern conflicts. He also shares how his own perspective on war and international relations has changed since the Cold War. Dr. Bacevich is the author of many books including, "The New American Militarism: How...

In this week's episode we speak with Chris Arnade, author of "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America," ” the powerful photojournalistic stories of individuals who are far too often ignored and forgotten. Plus, from our mailbag... Why is the Church getting involved with the issue of immigrant driver's licenses? And, in our bricklayer segment, we give you tips on how to make a difference start...

We're talking about religious freedom with Archbishop Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville and chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty. We delve into the so-called Equality Act, interfaith dialogue and how these things impact religious freedom. Plus, what does it mean to be a faithful citizen? We answer your questions/comments from the mailbag. Finally, in our bricklayer segment,...

In this episode you'll get a unique perspective on the lessons in leadership Pope St. John Paul II has left for the world. Andreas Widmer, an entrepreneur and former Swiss Guard for John Paul II shares his own incredible faith journey guided by the pope he served. Plus... Would you ace a test on Catholic Social Teaching? Andreas shares with us his research that may make you second guess just how w...

Today we’re talking about gender identity and the impacts this ideology is having in our society. We’ll be speaking with a great Minnesota Catholic advocate on this issue, Emily Zinos, who works with the coalition Hands Across the Aisle. Then in our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we’re discussing Christifidelis Laici – which translates as “The lay members of Christ’s Faithful People”. I...

In this episode of the Bridge Builder Podcast, we learn about some of the legislative priorities of the US Bishops. We speak with Lauren McCormack of the USCCB’s office of government relations. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we examine Pope St. John Paul II’s very first encyclical, "Redemptor Hominis" – Redeemer of Man - written at the start of his pontificate in 1979 in which he...

We speak with a Minnesota woman, Lisa Kremer, who as a lay-Catholic has answered the call to advocate for our immigrant neighbors by creating the organization “Familias Juntas” or “Families Together.” In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we’re discussing the encyclical Pope Pius XI wrote in 1937 to the Bishops in Germany concerning the Church and the Third Reich. Then in our bricklayer...

In this episode, we’re talking with a great woman of the Catholic faith who is a great witness in the pro-life movement, Gloria Purvis. You may also recognize her voice from EWTN’s Morning Glory radio program or as the Emcee from our own Catholics at the Capitol event in 2017 & 2019. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we’re going to look at a very recently published document, Open Wi...

Environmental policy, integral ecology, and how the environment and evangelization work together. We speak with Ricardo Simmonds, the founder of the Catholic non-profit “Creatio” out of the Archdiocese of Denver, which integrates the environment and evangelization. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we discuss Pope Paul VI’s letter, “Credo of the People of God” which celebrates its 5...

In today’s podcast, we’re talking with George Weigel a Catholic theologian and one of America’s leading public intellectuals. We’ll be discussing his recent book “The fragility of order” (Published by Ignatius Press)and some of the disorder we see in today’s world especially amid much of our current political upheaval. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we’re discussing Ecclesia in A...

We speak with author Leah Libresco about her new book, Building The Benedict Option, and the practical ways that you can begin living out a life of intentional discipleship. Then, in our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we continue the discussion on the Benedict Option by examining Pope Benedict XVI's address to representatives of the World of Culture in France 10 years ago. In that addre...

In today’s podcast, we’re talking about the ways that abortion advocates in western cultures are imposing their beliefs on the pro-life culture of Africans. We’ll speak with the author of “Target Africa”, Obianuju Ekeocha, about this concept of ideological colonization. Then in our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment, we take a deep dive into the papal document “Populorum Progressio” the ency...

In today’s podcast we’re talking about the connection between declining family stability and the increasing stronghold of secularism in society. Mary Eberstadt of the Faith and Reason Institute joins us for that conversation. In our Classic Catholic Social Teaching segment we’re discussing Blessed Archbishop Oscar Romero’s final homily which he finished just moments before being fatally shot in El...

In this episode of the Bridge Builder podcast it's the 25th anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II's encyclical Veritatis Splendor - The Splendor of Truth. We speak with Dr. Samuel Gregg, director of research at the Acton Institute about the significance and impact of this document in today's society. Plus, Jason and Rachel share the personal effects this document has had in their own faith lives. P...

What is Catholic Social Doctrine? What is conscience binding? What are matters of prudence? And, what are the relevant principles in discerning these matters? We speak with Fr. Peter Ryan a Jesuit priest and professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He also served as Executive Director of the Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In our...

The current Supreme Court vacancy and the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh are fueling the conversation about the future of abortion in the United States. We speak with Clarke Forsythe, Senior Counsel for Americans United for Life, to address whether we are likely to see Roe overturned, what a post-Roe society and pro-life movement would look like, and what we as Catholics are called to do amid...

Humanae Vitae at 50 years: We delve into the connections between Humanae Vitae and the more recent papal encyclical, Laudato Si', to examine what both tell us about integral ecology. We speak with Dr. Christopher Thompson, professor of moral theology and director of the center for theological formation at the St. Paul Seminary. We also give you practical steps for taking your faith into the public...